Cairns Festival 2023 gears up to unleash a topical wonderland of art, culture and tropical charm

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Jamie Jansen

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Indie-rock royalty, The Jungle Giants, set to ignite the stage at Munro Martin Parkland on September 2. Picture: Cairns Festival

Last night, the Cairns Festival 2023 program was officially launched at Crystalbrook Collections' Whiskey & Wine bar, with media in attendance, setting the stage for the much-awaited event kicking off in just …. days. 

This cornerstone of Tropical North Queensland's cultural calendar is poised to mesmerise with its celebration of the region's rich tapestry of talent, heritage, and vibrant lifestyle.

Set to take place from August 25 to September 3, the festival is gearing up to mark its 61st anniversary, promising an extraordinary fusion of art, culture, and the allure of tropical living.

Read on to find out more about the festival highlights.

Grand parade spectacle

Kicking off the festivities, the Grand Parade on August 26 will take centre stage as the festival's major event and opening highlight. 

Transforming the Cairns Esplanade into a captivating street parade, the event promises entertainment for all ages, culminating in a fireworks display starting at 7.30pm.

Music

Undoubtedly stealing the spotlight is the highly anticipated appearance of number one ARIA-awarded Indie-rock royalty, The Jungle Giants, at Munro Martin Parkland on September 2.

Known for their energetic live shows and hit singles, The Jungle Giants are shaping their fifth album following a stellar run of global festivals.

On top of this, Brisbane's indie-pop sensation, Cub Sport, will grace the Tanks Arts Centre on August 31 with their ‘Jesus at the gay bar tour’. 

Gear up for Grammy-award winning Soweto Gospel Choir at CPAC on September 1, fusing South African freedom songs with iconic Civil Rights Movement music from 1950s America.

And on August 25 and 27, dive into a queer new world with the immersive event Hot & Heavy by The Ironing Maidens - a blend of installation, performance, and banging dance party.

Free Family Fun

Enjoy free family fun during the 10-day festival.

Discover String Symphony: a remarkable puppetry show on the Esplanade, where a marionette lights up with 600 LEDs on a kilometre-long rope, animated by 10 community volunteers.

Festival HQ at the Court House Gallery serves as the vibrant epicentre of Cairns Festival excitement and entertainment with a diverse lineup and themed nights.

On The Esplanade main stage Gold Coast indie rockers Eliza & The Delusionals take the stage on Friday August 25, followed by funk punks Electrik Lemonade on Saturday August 26.

Experience a heartwarming evening of friendship and adventure at Moving Picture Night on September 1 in Gordonvale's Norman Park, featuring the family-friendly film Blueback based on Tim Winton's beloved novel, accompanied by music.

Theatre 

Experience quirky fun at Court House Gallery's Front Lawn with The Knock ‘Em Downs, an interactive carnival tent from August 25 to September 3, offering games and surprises in a vintage sideshow setting.

Listen to ‘sand stories’ shared by descendant Uncle David Mundraby highlighting its cultural significance at the premiere of Gulgi-barra (Sand People) by Miriki Performing Arts from August 25 to August 30.

JUTE Theatre premieres ‘Higher Faster Louder’ at Bulmba-ja from August 25 to September 2, portraying the pioneering story of Marilyn Marsh Booth, one of the world's first female pilots during the 1960s.

On September 1, the Tanks Arts Centre hosts the internationally acclaimed theatre group Briefs Factory, presenting their provocative cabaret extravaganza, Bite Club.

Exhibitions

Explore three free exhibitions across the Cairns Festival program. 

ENERGY exhibition showcases the best young and emerging student artists from the Far North Queensland region at Tanks Arts Centre from August 30 to September 3.

Court House Gallery presents How We Relate by Yalanji Arts, showcasing textiles and free-form ceramics, and Thomas Chen's exploration of creativity and identity in an extension of mysell. Both exhibitions run until September 3rd.

Discover How We Relate by Yalanji Arts at Court House Gallery, featuring textiles and free-form ceramics, alongside Thomas Chen's identity and creativity exploration in ‘An Extension of Myself’. Both exhibitions continue until September 3.

For more information and the full program visit cairnsfest.com.au.

 


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